2017/18 season - Steff Thomas' team update

By Rhian Burgess | 29/06/2017

Here we are... fresh and raring to go for another season.

Our pre-season training programme started on Tuesday 27 June at our grounds in Abergwili. It was a packed meeting with a really enthused and excited group who demonstrated just how committed they were to pull on the Quins shirt and do well for the club.

We began with an excellent presentation from the players leadership group, who spoke about what it really means to be a Quins player and what they wanted from the season ahead. Our coaching team of Ian Jones, Rich Kelly and Rich Hardy were joined by a familiar face - Craig Evans - who will now take the lead on defence.

Craig has had a distinguished playing career, with many of his best years performed in service to the Quins. He brings a wealth of playing experience and knowledge to the team, which together with his energy will keep the team fresh in the coming season - we're delighted to welcome him on board. Our coaches have worked exceptionally hard to challenge the boys during pre-season to ensure we will continue to play the expansive brand of rugby which is fast becoming our hallmark.

This season we will say goodbye to Rhys Williams, Iolo Evans, Lee Williams, Ben Thompson, Gareth George, Connor Lloyd, Kieron Jones and Andrew Clatworthy. Each and every one has worn our stripes with outstanding pride and credit. We wish them all the best in their next chapter, whilst remembering - once a Quin, always a Quin!

In terms of the new intake, we're pleased to welcome Nick Reynolds (centre), Jack Price (centre), Aaron Hemmings (scrum half), Jack Wilson (outside half), Kemsley Mathias (prop) and Aled James (scrum half) as new contracted players. Together with Scott Lloyd (centre) and Rhys Davies (prop) from the Scarlets Academy. We also have a number of other exciting players currently training with us, who we hope will grasp the opportunity to come on board in the coming weeks.

Following the revision of the Welsh Premiership league programme, we have had to alter our preseason schedule and now have now two early games booked in before the season begins:

Tata Steel - Thursday 10 August - away game, 19:00

Cardiff RFC - Saturday 19 August - away game, 14:30

This season promises to be as exciting as ever, and with the work and commitment from our players already evident to see, this year we will DARE TO THINK BIG!